Pre Baselworld 2014: Introducing the Bvlgari Octo Chrono

Fifteen years ago, in 1999, luxury brand Bvlgari bought Gerald Genta’s watch company and until this day they manufacture watches and introduce new watches, which are (heavily) inspired on Genta’s designs. Just like the Octo Automatic, which was introduced last year, and so is the new Octo Chrono that we can introduce to you today. A bold and rugged design – typical Genta – and it features a magnificent El Primero column-wheel chronograph movement.

The press release calls the new Octo a combination of Italian genius and Swiss perfection. All we can say, is that Bvlgari did a good job in merging Genta’s design into a contemporary chic sports chronograph. With a movement like the El Primero, you simply can’t go wrong. The strong characteristic lines of the Octo Chronograph’s design on the other hand, will probably be more polarizing, but that’s exactly what Genta’s design often did.

Back to our little history lesson… After buying Genta’s watch company, Bvlgari kept manufacturing Genta’s watches with Genta’s name on the dial. That is, until a few years ago. Bvlgari decided to put their own name on the dial, which of course rubbed some collectors the wrong way. However after nurturing the brand under Genta’s name, it was actually time for a bit of a change.

Bvlgari didn’t make any drastic changes, as they maintained Genta’s name on the dial, albeit a bit smaller. When you wonder why this is so important, it is because the Octo Automatic and the new Octo Chronograph are descendants of the Octo that Genta designed. In the past 10-15 years the Octo has been the platform for Bvlgari’s most exclusive and complicated timepieces, often featuring multiple retrograde indications. Now without retrograde hands, the design remains incredibly strong, and, like many of Genta’s design, it is iconic and undeniably a Genta.

The Octo Chronograph features a magnificent El Primero chronograph movement, which determines the dial layout. This is a so-called tri-compax layout, with three subdials (or registers) at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. Between 4 and 5 o’clock is a date window.The new Octo Chronograph comes in either stainless steel or 18k pink gold. The case, measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13.07 mm in height, features no less than 110 alternately polished and satin-brushed surfaces.

Some specifications:

• Case: stainless steel or 18K pink gold, 41.5 mm in diameter, 13.07 mm thick, sapphire crystal case-back, screw-lock crown in 18K pink gold or steel with ceramic insert
• Movement: caliber BVL 328 (base movement is El Primero), self-winding column-wheel chronograph, equipped with a silicium escapement, 36,000 vph, 50-hour power reserve, 31 jewels
• Strap: steel bracelet or black alligator leather strap with 18K pink gold or steel folding clasp

A price is not mentioned, however the Octo Automatic that was introduced last year is priced at $ 23,900 USD for the 18K gold version and $ 8,600 USD in stainless steel. The price of the new Octo Chronograph will be north of that.

More info: www.bulgari.com